Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari worth booking?
Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari is a 5.5-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $10500 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (20)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $10500 per person
Ran by @guidemejapan on Instagram. Please check our Instagram for visual examples of our wonderful guides! Start your morning with the magic of Kyoto—before the crowds arrive. This small-group tour (max 8 people) takes
What you get
- English Speaking Guide
- Entrance fees
About this experience
Ran by @guidemejapan on Instagram. Please check our Instagram for visual examples of our wonderful guides! Start your morning with the magic of Kyoto—before the crowds arrive. This small-group tour (max 8 people) takes you on a peaceful journey through Fushimi Inari’s famous thousand torii gates, the stunning Byodoin Temple from the 10 yen coin, and Ujigami Shrine, Japan’s oldest. It’s the perfect blend of iconic sights and hidden gems, led by a local English-speaking guide who brings each place to life. Quiet, authentic, unforgettable.
What's included
Included
- English Speaking Guide
- Entrance fees
Not included
- Transportation Fee
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Explore the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the most famous shrines in all over Japan. Walk through thousands of striking red gates, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. It's a must-see spot that offers a beautiful and unforgettable experience. Don't miss the chance to visit this incredible place during your trip!
90 minutes here
Byodoin Temple
Byodoin Temple in Uji is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, famously featured on the back of Japan’s 10 yen coin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the stunning Phoenix Hall, a masterpiece of Heian-period architecture. Discover the real-life elegance behind the coin in a tranquil, historically rich setting.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Ujigami Shrine
Ujigami Shrine is Japan’s oldest standing shrine—a peaceful, spiritual haven hidden in the heart of Uji. With its centuries-old wooden architecture and moss-covered grounds, it feels like stepping into a secret from ancient Japan. Just minutes from Byodoin, it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and connect with timeless beauty.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Meet spot: Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate, the big gate of JR lines on ground floor, on the north side where Kyoto Tower is located. Please arrive at the 10 minutes early. There is a seven eleven right next to it. Link for seven eleven: https://g.co/kgs/k4fpgH3
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
If you are planning to head back to Kyoto after the tour, please let your guide know and they will assist you with directions. Please note that they will not take the train back with the group.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- GuideMe Japan
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfect tour if you want...
Perfect tour if you want to get away from busy Kyoto and visit sites not often seen. Our tour guide Shin was lovely and spoke perfect English.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and appreciated visiting quieter, less-crowded spots outside busy Kyoto. It’s wonderful to know that Shin’s English and friendly guidance made your experience even better. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience in Japan! GuideMe Japan Team
via Viator
Early morning Kyoto and Uji tour
My husband and I traveled from Osaka to Kyoto to do the early morning tour. The tour was great and worth doing the early morning commute to Kyoto. Genki our tour guide was very knowledgeable and very well spoken the information he gave us made the tour very interesting. You can see that he loves sharing the history of the Temples, Shrines, Kyoto and Uji. Early morning you avoid the crowds and it is nice and cool. It was very well paced and comfortable. Thank you Genki for a great tour, we will definitely book another tour with you when we return to Japan.
via Viator
Great Experience!
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and patient. I learnt a lot and I would definitely recommend this tour. If you find all 108 foxes, you will have good luck for the rest of the year! Ganbatte!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari. It’s fantastic that your guide’s knowledge and patience helped you learn so much and made the experience memorable. We love that you enjoyed the fox hunt too—here’s to good luck for the rest of the year! Ganbatte! We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another amazing tour in the future. GuideMe Japan Team
via Tripadvisor
Amazing guide
It is was super amazing , the guide made us understand the history of the shrine .. and was spoke English so well , we need no interpreter
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari. It’s fantastic that your guide’s clear explanations and excellent English made understanding the history of the shrine so easy and enjoyable without needing an interpreter. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you on another memorable tour in the future. GuideMe Japan Team
via Tripadvisor
History thaws the soul
Though it was a chilly night, the tales of the past offered warmth thanks to the tour guide. There is a lot to learn, but our tour guide kept it short and spicy which I appreciate since my Fingers are quickly turning into popsicles.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari. It’s fantastic that your guide’s storytelling brought warmth and made learning about the history both enjoyable and concise—especially on a chilly morning! We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you on another memorable tour in the future. GuideMe Japan Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari cost?
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Prices start at $10500 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari take?
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Plan for about 5.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option, Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto, Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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